Grants for 4-H, FFA Youth Service Projects Announced

The Building Our American Communities program supports efforts benefitting rural communities.

Feb 15, 2012

Director of Agriculture, Dr. Jon Hagler announced the recipients of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Building Our American Communities 2012 grant program today. Nine Missouri 4-H clubs and 10 local chapters of the National FFA Organization received grants for community service projects this year.

"The Building Our American Communities program is an outstanding opportunity for young people to be involved in their hometowns and to truly make a difference in those communities," said Director Hagler. "Young people are the future of Missouri's agriculture industry and I am proud to see their initiative and commitment to service featured in each of these projects."

The Building Our American Communities program has been supporting youth projects in Missouri since the 1970s. Each year, youth organizations throughout Missouri submit proposals for grants, which range from $100 to $500 and support specific projects within each community.

Projects selected for funding are expected to benefit rural communities and promote community development. 4-H clubs and FFA chapters awarded grants this year must complete their projects no later than September 1, 2012.

Projects may include improvements to existing facilities, grounds or buildings that are used by various groups or organizations in the applicant's community. Previously funded projects have included landscape and beautification projects, safety improvements for local fairgrounds and small renovations on damaged and aged public use structures.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture or visit mda.mo.gov.